Packaging containing a consumable

ABSTRACT

Packaging containing an amount of a consumable (e.g. an at least partially dehydrated foodstuff), the packaging comprising: a container comprising an opening; and a closure (e.g. an airtight seal) closing the opening; wherein the container and the closure define a cavity having a first volume; the consumable is located in the cavity; the container is expandable such that the container may be expanded (e.g. due to the elasticity of the container) to be able to contain a second volume; and the second volume is greater than the first volume. The consumable may be to be combined with an amount of liquid, and the second volume may be greater than or equal to a volume occupied by the combination of the amount of the consumable and the amount of the liquid.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the National Stage of International Application No.PCT/GB2013/050138, filed 23 Jan. 2013, which claims the benefit of andpriority to GB 1201693.7, filed 31 Jan. 2012, GB1205363.3, filed 27 Mar.2012 and GB1214587.6, filed 15 Aug. 2012, the contents of all of whichare incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to packaging containing a consumable.

BACKGROUND

It is known for consumers to purchase dehydrated (i.e. dried), orpartially dehydrated, foodstuffs (e.g. porridge oats, dried soup mixes,pasta, noodles etc.).

Typically, such foodstuffs are provided in containers in which they maybe hydrated, e.g. rehydrated, and heated prior to consumption by theconsumer. This hydration and heating may be achieved, for example, byadding a hot liquid to the container containing the dehydrated orpartially dehydrated foodstuff.

The containers in which the dehydrated, or partially dehydrated,foodstuffs are provided are large enough to contain the foodstuff afterit has been hydrated for consumption. However, whilst the foodstuff isin its dehydrated or partially dehydrated state, the volume of thecontainer tends to be much larger than that occupied by the foodstuff.Thus, space is wasted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention provides packaging containingan amount of a consumable, the packaging containing an amount of aconsumable comprising a container comprising an opening, and a closureclosing the opening, wherein the container and the closure define acavity having a first volume, the consumable is located in the cavity,the container is expandable such that the container may be expanded tohave a second volume, and the second volume is greater than the firstvolume.

The closure may be perforated.

The closure may be an airtight seal. The container may be expandablesuch that, on removing or breaking the airtight seal, the container maybe expanded to have a second volume. Such expansion of the container tohave the second volume may be unaided expansion caused by the elasticityof the container.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides packaging containingan amount of a consumable, the packaging containing an amount of aconsumable comprising: a container comprising an opening, and a sealsealing the opening, wherein the container and the seal define a cavityhaving a first volume, the consumable is located in the cavity, thecontainer is expandable such that, on at least partially removing theseal from the opening (i.e. upon unsealing the opening), the containermay be expanded to have a second volume, and the second volume isgreater than the first volume.

The consumable may be to be combined with an amount of liquid, and thesecond volume may be greater than or equal to a volume occupied by thecombination of the amount of the consumable and the amount of theliquid.

The container may further comprise a closed end, and an elastic sidewall disposed between the opening and the closed end, wherein theelastic side wall is in a compressed state, the elastic side wall hassufficient elasticity such that, on at least partially removing theclosure/seal from the opening, the elastic side wall expands, unaided,from the compressed state to an uncompressed state, and when the elasticside wall is in the uncompressed state, the container has the secondvolume.

The elastic side wall may be compressible along its length such that theheight of the container when the elastic side wall is in itsuncompressed state is larger than the height of the container when theelastic side wall is in its compressed state.

The elastic side wall may comprise a bellows-like structure.

The container may further comprise a non-expandable top portion disposedbetween the open end and the elastic side wall, the top portion beingcontiguous with the opening.

The non-expandable top portion may comprise a flange or shoulder.

The non-expandable top portion may comprise an externally screw-threadedportion for receiving an internally screw-threaded lid.

The container may further comprise a non-expandable bottom portiondisposed between the closed end and the elastic side wall, the bottomportion being contiguous with the closed end.

The container may be made of a heat resistant material.

The container may be made of low density polyethylene.

The container may be made of a compound comprising low densitypolyethylene and low density polyethylene.

The compound may comprise 90-95% low density polyethylene. The compoundmay comprise 5-10% high density polyethylene.

The compound may comprise 93% low density polyethylene. The compound maycomprise 7% high density polyethylene.

Prior to being expanded, the height of the container may be between 40mm and 50 mm.

The container may be expandable such that the height of the container isbetween 70 mm and 90 mm.

The consumable may be a consumable selected from a group consisting of afoodstuff, a medicine, paint and powdered paint.

The consumable may be an at least partially dehydrated foodstuff.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method ofpackaging an amount of a consumable, the method comprising providing acontainer having an opening, at least partially filling the containerwith the consumable, and closing, with a closure, the container with theconsumable inside it such that the container and the closure define acavity having a first volume, and the consumable is located in thecavity, wherein the container is expandable such that the container maybe expanded to have a second volume, and the second volume is greaterthan the first volume.

The closure may be perforated.

The closure may be an airtight seal. The container may be expandablesuch that, on removing or breaking the airtight seal, the container maybe expanded to have a second volume. Such expansion of the container tohave the second volume may be unaided expansion caused by the elasticityof the container.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method ofpackaging an amount of a consumable, the method comprising providing acontainer having an opening, at least partially filling the containerwith the consumable, and sealing, with a seal, the container with theconsumable inside it such that the container and the seal define acavity having a first volume, and the consumable is located in thecavity, wherein the container is expandable such that, on at leastpartial removal of the seal from the opening, the container may beexpanded to have a second volume, and the second volume is greater thanthe first volume.

The consumable may be to be combined with an amount of liquid, and thesecond volume may be greater than or equal to a volume occupied by thecombination of the amount of the consumable and the amount of theliquid.

The step of closing may be by means of an airtight seal.

The container may further comprise a closed end, and an elastic sidewall disposed between the opening and the closed end, wherein theelastic side wall is in a compressed state, the elastic side wall hassufficient elasticity such that, on at least partially removing theclosure/seal from the opening, the elastic side wall expands, unaided,from the compressed state to an uncompressed state, and when the elasticside wall is in the uncompressed state, the container has the secondvolume.

The elastic side wall may be compressible along its length such that theheight of the container when the elastic side wall is in itsuncompressed state is larger than the height of the container when theelastic side wall is in its compressed state.

The step of providing a container may comprise compressing the containersuch that the elastic side wall is in the compressed state.

The elastic side wall may comprise a bellows-like structure.

The container may further comprise a non-expandable top portion disposedbetween the open end and the elastic side wall, the top portion beingcontiguous with the opening.

The non-expandable top portion may comprise a flange or shoulder and thestep of compressing the container is performed by applying a force tothe flange or shoulder.

The non-expandable top portion may comprise an externally screw-threadedportion, and the step of closing comprises screwing an internallyscrew-threaded lid onto the externally screw-threaded portion.

The container may further comprise a non-expandable bottom portiondisposed between the closed end and the elastic side wall.

The container may be made of a heat resistant material.

The container may be made of low density polyethylene.

Prior to being expanded, the height of the container may be between 40mm and 50 mm.

The container may be expandable such that the height of the container isbetween 80 mm and 90 mm.

The consumable may be a consumable selected from a group consisting of afoodstuff, a medicine, paint and powdered paint.

The consumable may be an at least partially dehydrated foodstuff.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides an expandablecontainer for a consumable, the container comprising an open end, aclosed end, and an elastic side wall disposed between the open end andthe closed end, wherein the elastic side wall is compressible between anoriginal position and a compressed position such that the container maybe changed between having a first height and a second height, the secondheight being less than the first height, the elastic side wall hassufficient elasticity to return to the original position unaided.

The elastic side wall may comprise a bellows-like structure.

The container may further comprise a non-expandable top portion disposedbetween the opening and the elastic side wall, the top portion beingcontiguous with the opening.

The non-expandable top portion may comprise a flange or shoulder.

The non-expandable top portion may comprise an externally screw-threadedportion for receiving an internally screw-threaded lid.

The container may further comprise a non-expandable bottom portiondisposed between the closed end and the elastic side wall, the bottomportion being contiguous with the closed end.

The container may be made of a heat resistant material.

The container may be made of low density polyethylene.

When the elastic side wall is in its original position, the height ofthe container may be between 70 mm and 90 mm.

When the elastic side wall is in its original position, the height ofthe container may be 80 mm.

When the elastic side wall is in its compressed position, the height ofthe container may be between 40 mm and 50 mm.

When the elastic side wall is in its compressed position, the height ofthe container may be 45 mm.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method ofpackaging a consumable, the method comprising providing an expandablecontainer, the container being in accordance with any of the aboveaspects, compressing the container such that the elastic side wall is inthe compressed position, at least partially filling the container withan amount of the consumable, and, whilst the elastic side wall is in thecompressed position, closing the container with the predetermined amountof the consumable inside it.

The consumable may be a consumable selected from a group consisting of afoodstuff, a medicine, paint and powdered paint.

The consumable may be an at least partially dehydrated foodstuff.

The step of closing may be performed by means of an airtight sealapplied over the open end of the container.

The step of closing may comprise screwing an internally screw-threadedlid onto the externally screw-threaded portion.

The step of compressing the container may comprise applying a force tothe flange or shoulder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a perspective viewof an expandable container;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of thecontainer in its fully expanded state;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of thecontainer in its fully compressed state;

FIG. 4 is a process flow chart showing certain steps of an embodiment ofa process of packaging a foodstuff using the container;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view thecontainer coupled to a filling apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a top view thecontainer coupled to the filling apparatus;

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a cross section ofthe container 2 coupled to the filling apparatus;

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view thecontainer coupled to the filling apparatus;

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a cross section ofthe container coupled to the filling apparatus;

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of an exploded viewthe packaging containing the foodstuff;

FIG. 11 is a process flow chart showing certain steps of an exampleprocess by which a consumer may use the packaging and foodstuff providedtherein;

FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of afurther container in its fully expanded state;

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of thefurther container in its fully compressed state; and

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of asecond further container in its fully expanded state; and

FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of thesecond further container in its fully compressed state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, like reference numerals refer to likeelements.

The following description is based on embodiments of the invention andshould not be taken as limiting the invention with regard to alternativeembodiments that are not explicitly described herein.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a perspective viewof an expandable container 2.

The container 2 comprises a top portion 4, a bottom portion 6, and anintermediate portion 8. The intermediate portion 8 is disposed betweenthe top portion 4 and the bottom portion 6. The intermediate portion 8has a bellow-like structure and may be expanded or compressed in foldslike a bellows or a concertina. In other words, the intermediate portion8 is expandable (i.e. may be elongated) and compressed.

The container 2 is generally cylindrical in shape. The container 2 ismade of low density polyethylene (LDPE). The container 2 may be madeusing any appropriate process, e.g. blow-moulding. The container may betransparent, translucent, or opaque.

The container 2 is shown in FIG. 1 in its fully expanded state.

The container 2 may be changed from its fully expanded state to a fullycompressed state by applying a compressive force (sufficient to overcomethe resistive force of the intermediate portion 8, i.e. to overcome theresilience of the intermediate portion 8) to move the top portion 4 andthe bottom portion 6 together.

During the process of compression of the container 2, i.e. during theprocess of changing the container 2 from its fully expanded state to itsfully compressed state, the volume of the container 2 reduces, i.e. thecavity of the container 2 is made smaller. Thus, air is forced out ofthe container 2 through the opening 10.

When the container 2 has been compressed into its compressed state, andthe compressive force that compressed the container 2 into itscompressed state has been removed, the elasticity of the intermediateportion 8 is such that the container 2 expands back to its fullyexpanded state of its own accord. In other words, the intermediateportion 8 has sufficient elasticity to return to its original state(i.e. the expanded state) unaided. Thus, the intermediate portion 8 isan elastic side wall of the container 2.

During the process of expansion of the container 2, i.e. during theprocess by which the container 2 reverts to its fully expanded state(due to the elasticity of the intermediate portion 8), the volume of thecontainer 2 increases, i.e. the cavity of the container 2 gets larger.Thus, air is drawn into the container 2 through the opening 10.

The top portion 4 forms the top of the container 2. The top portion 4comprises an opening 10 through which foodstuffs may be placed into, orremoved from, the container 2.

The top portion 4 further comprises a screw threaded portion 12 and aflange 14.

The screw threaded portion 12 is disposed between the opening 10 and theflange 14. The screw thread of the screw threaded portion 12 is disposedon the external surface of the top portion 4, i.e. the screw thread isan external screw thread.

The screw threaded portion 12 is contiguous with the opening 10. Theflange 14 projects radially outwards from the upright surface of the topportion 4. The flange 14 is continuous around the circumference of thetop portion 4.

The bottom portion 6 forms the bottom (i.e. closed end) of the container2. The bottom portion 6 is non-expandable and non-compressible (relativeto the intermediate portion 8).

The intermediate portion 8 comprises a plurality of tapered rings 16.Each tapered ring 16 has the shape of the frustum of a cone. Eachtapered ring 16 has a relative larger diameter at one end, and arelatively smaller diameter at an opposite end.

In the intermediate portion 8, the tapered rings 16 are disposed asfollows. At the top of the intermediate portion 8, a tapered ring 16 isattached, at the end of that tapered ring 16 having the relativelylarger diameter, to the top portion 4. Also, at the bottom of theintermediate portion 8, a tapered ring 16 is attached, at the end ofthat tapered ring 16 having the relatively larger diameter, to thebottom portion 4. A plurality of tapered rings 16 are contiguouslydisposed between the tapered ring 16 at the top of the intermediateportion 8 and the tapered ring 16 at the bottom of the intermediateportion 8. This is such that the end of a tapered ring 16 having therelatively larger diameter is attached to the end having the relativelylarger diameter of an adjacent tapered ring 16. Also, this is such thatthe end of a tapered ring 16 having the relatively smaller diameter isattached to the end having the relatively smaller diameter of anadjacent tapered ring 16.

In other words, the intermediate portion 8 comprises a bellows-likestructure formed from a contiguous series of tapered rings 16.

Under a compressive force that moves the top portion 4 and the bottomportion 6 together, the ends of the tapered rings 16 that have therelatively larger diameters move closer together. Also, the ends of thetapered rings 16 that have the relatively smaller diameters move closertogether. When this compressive force is removed, the elasticity of theintermediate portion 8 is such that the ends of the tapered rings 16that have the relatively larger diameters move apart. Also, the ends ofthe tapered rings 16 that have the relatively smaller diameters moveapart (i.e. the intermediate portion reverts to its original expandedstate).

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of thecontainer 2 in its fully expanded state.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of thecontainer 2 in its fully compressed state.

FIGS. 2 and 3 indicate the dimensions of the container 2 in thisembodiment.

Preferably, the height of the container 2 in its fully expanded state isin the range 70 mm to 90 mm. More preferably, the height of thecontainer 2 in its fully expanded state is 80 mm. Preferably, the volumeof the container 2 in its fully expanded state is approximately 355 ml.

Preferably, the height of the container 2 in its fully compressed stateis in the range 40 mm to 50 mm. More preferably, the height of thecontainer 2 in its fully compressed state is 45 mm. Preferably, theheight of the container 2 in its fully compressed state from its closedend (i.e. the bottom of the bottom portion 6) to the underside of theflange 14 is 29.65 mm.

In other embodiments, the ratio between the height of the container 2 inits fully expanded state and the height of the container 2 in its fullycompressed state may be a different value. For example, in otherembodiments, the height of the container 2 in its fully compressed statemay be less than or equal to three quarters of the container 2 in itsfully expanded state. In other embodiments, the height of the container2 in its fully compressed state may be less than or equal to two thirdsof the container 2 in its fully expanded state. In other embodiments,the height of the container 2 in its fully compressed state may be lessthan or equal to half of the container 2 in its fully expanded state. Inother embodiments, the height of the container 2 in its fully compressedstate may be less than or equal to one third of the container 2 in itsfully expanded state. In other embodiments, the height of the container2 in its fully compressed state may be less than or equal to one quarterof the container 2 in its fully expanded state.

Preferably, the vertical height of the top portion 4 from the opening 10to the upper surface of the flange 14 is 12 mm. Preferably, the externaldiameter of the flange 14 of the top portion 4 is 87 mm.

Preferably, the external diameter of the bottom portion 6 is 87 mm.

As described in more detail later below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5,when the container is in its fully compressed state (as shown in FIG.3), the container is filled with a foodstuff. This foodstuff is notshown in FIG. 3 and will be described in more detail later below. Thecontainer 2 may be filled with any appropriate amount of foodstuff, forexample, 60 g to 70 g of the foodstuff, or 50 ml to 120 ml of thefoodstuff. The volume occupied by the foodstuff is less than or equal tothe volume of the fully compressed container 2.

FIG. 4 is a process flow chart showing certain steps of an embodiment ofa process of packaging a foodstuff (using the container 2) for deliveryto a consumer.

At step s2, the container 2 is coupled to a filling apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view thecontainer 2 coupled to the filling apparatus at step s2.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a top view thecontainer 2 coupled to the filling apparatus at step s2.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a cross section(taken along the dotted line X-X shown in FIG. 5) of the container 2coupled to the filling apparatus at step s2.

The filling apparatus comprises a conveyor belt 20 and two parallelrails 22.

The conveyor belt 20 is configured to move objects placed on it (i.e.the container 2) in the direction indicated in FIGS. 5 and 6 by thearrow and the reference numeral 24.

When viewed from above, i.e. as shown in FIG. 6, the conveyor belt 20and the rails 22 are parallel. In particular, the rails 22 are parallelto the direction 24 of the conveyor belt 20. Also, when viewed fromabove, the distance between the rails is substantially equal to theexternal diameter of the opening 10 of the container 2.

When viewed from the side, i.e. as shown in FIG. 5, the height of a rail22 above that point is substantially equal to the height of the otherrail 22 above that point.

Also, when viewed from the side, the height of the rails 22 above theconveyor belt 20 reduces along the length of the conveyor belt 20 in thedirection 24 of the conveyor belt 20. In particular, in this embodimentthe height of the rails 22 above the conveyor belt 20 reduces from afirst height 100 (the first height 100 being substantially equal to theheight of the flange 14 above the bottom of the container 2 when thecontainer is in its fully expanded state) to a second height 102 (thesecond height 102 being substantially equal to the height of the flange14 above the bottom of the container 2 when the container is in itsfully compressed state).

In this embodiment, at step s2, container 2 is placed upright on theconveyor belt 20 such that the bottom of the container 2 (i.e. theclosed end) is in contact with the conveyor belt 20, and such that theopening 10 (at the top of the container 2) is accessible from above.

Also, in this embodiment, at step s2 the container 2 is positioned at apoint along the conveyor belt where the rails 22 are at the first height100 with respect to the conveyor belt 20. Also, in this embodiment, atstep s2 the container 2 is positioned such that the rails 22 are incontact with an upper surface of the flange 14, and at opposite sides ofthe container 2 from one another.

At step s4, the container 2 is compressed. In this embodiment, thiscompression of the container 2 is performed by, using the conveyor belt20, moving (i.e. conveying) the container 2 with respect to the rails 22from the position where the rails 22 are at the first height 100 withrespect to the conveyor belt 20, to a position where the rails 22 are atthe second height 102 with respect to the conveyor belt 20.

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view thecontainer 2 coupled to the filling apparatus after step s4 has beenperformed.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a cross section(taken along the line Y-Y shown in FIG. 8) of the container 2 coupled tothe filling apparatus after step s4 has been performed.

As the container 2 is moved by the conveyor belt 20 with respect to therails 22, the height of the rails 22 above the conveyor belt 20 changesfrom the first height 100 to the second height 102. Thus, as thecontainer 2 is moved by the conveyor belt 20 with respect to the rails22, the rails 22 exert a downwards (i.e. compressive) force on the uppersurface of the flange 14. This force exerted by the rails 22 issufficient to overcome the resistive force of the intermediate portion 8and so the container 2 is compressed into its fully compressed state.

During the compression of the container 2, air is forced out of thecontainer 2 via the opening 10.

At step s6, whilst in its fully compressed state, the container 2 isfilled with a predetermined amount of a foodstuff. In other words, apredetermined amount of a foodstuff is inserted into the fullycompressed container 2.

Preferably, the predetermined amount of foodstuff is in the range 60 gto 70 g of foodstuff. The volume occupied by the predetermined amount of(dried) foodstuff is less than or equal to the volume of the container 2in its fully compressed state.

In this embodiment, the foodstuff is a dried foodstuff. The terminology“dried foodstuff” is used herein to refer a dehydrated foodstuff orpartially dehydrated foodstuff (i.e. an at least partially dehydratedfoodstuff) that is to be hydrated (e.g. rehydrated) prior to consumptionby a consumer. Also, in this embodiment, the foodstuff is a foodstuffthat is to be heated prior to consumption by a consumer. For example,the foodstuff may be porridge oats, dried soup, dry pasta, dry couscous,dry noodles, dried rice pudding, dried risotto, etc. The foodstuff mayalso be a dried drink, for example dried coffee granules (e.g.freeze-dried coffee), dried tea, dried chocolate drink, etc. Thefoodstuff may also be a foodstuff that is to be diluted prior toconsumption, e.g. a cordial or syrup. Hydration and heating of thefoodstuff may be achieved by adding a hot liquid (e.g. boiling water) tothe foodstuff, e.g. as described in more detail later below withreference FIG. 11.

The volume occupied by the predetermined amount of foodstuff after thefoodstuff has been hydrated (e.g. rehydrated) for consumption is greaterthe volume of the container 2 in its fully compressed state.

At step s7, an airtight seal is applied over the opening 10 of thecontainer 2.

In this embodiment, the airtight seal is applied by a sealing unit (notshown in the Figures). Also, in this embodiment the airtight seal ismade of a coextruded paper or polyethylene film. The airtight seal isapplied to the opening a using heat based adhesion process thateffectively welds a part of the seal to the container rim by applicationof heat. In other embodiments a different type of airtight seal is used(e.g. an aluminium foil). Also, in other embodiments, a different methodfor affixing the seal to the container 2 is used (e.g. gluing).

The air tight seal applied at step s7 prevents air entering thecontainer 2 (via the opening 10). Since air is prevented from enteringthe container 2, the container 2 is prevented from reverting to itsfully expanded state. In other words, when the airtight seal is appliedto the opening 10, if the compressive force applied to the container 2by the rails 22 were to be removed, the elasticity of the intermediateportion 8 would attempt to revert the container 2 back to its original(expanded) state. This would lower the air pressure inside the container2 relative to the air pressure on the outside of the container 2. Thisrelatively high air pressure on the outside of the container 2 wouldhold the container 2 in its compressed state.

At step s8, a rigid plastic lid is screwed onto the screw-threadedportion 12 of the container 2. Thus, packaging containing the foodstuffis formed.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of an exploded viewthe packaging containing the foodstuff 28.

The packaging comprises the container 2 (in its compressed state), theairtight seal 30, and the lid 32.

The foodstuff 28 is positioned inside the compressed container 2, i.e.inside the cavity of the container 2 whilst in its compressed state.

The airtight seal 30 seals the opening 10 of the container 2, therebykeeping the container 2 in its compressed state. The container 2 is keptin its compressed state as long as the airtight seal 30 remains intact,i.e. prevents air entering the container 2 via the opening 10.

The lid 32 comprises an internal screw threaded portion (not shown). Thelid 32 is screwed onto the screw-threaded portion 12 of the compressedcontainer 2. The lid 32 advantageously tends to prevent damage to, ortampering with, the airtight seal 30. In particular, the lid 32 tends toprevent the airtight seal 30 being comprised and undesirably permittingair to enter to container 2 (and thereby allowing the container 2 torevert back to its expanded state).

In this embodiment, the lid 32 further comprises a plurality of ridges34 around its circumference. These ridges 34 advantageously tend tofacilitate the gripping of the lid 32 by a consumer to aid the removalof the lid 32 from the container 2. However, in other embodiments, thelid 32 does not comprise such ridges, i.e. the lid 32 is smooth.

The lid 32 provides a further airtight seal for the container 2. Thus,either one of the lid 32 or the airtight seal 30 may be removed and thecontainer 2 will remain in its fully compressed state (because the otherof the airtight seal 30 or lid 32 is remains intact thereby preventingthe expansion of the container 2).

At step s10, the packaging containing the foodstuff 28 is removed fromthe filling apparatus for delivery to a consumer. The packaging remainsin its fully compressed state as the airtight seal 30 prevents airentering the container 2 through the opening 10.

Prior to delivery to the consumer, the packaging may, for example, bycovered by a decorative sleeve that may comprise e.g. instructions foruse, nutritional information etc.

Thus, a process of packaging a foodstuff 28 (using the container 2) isprovided.

FIG. 11 is a process flow chart showing certain steps of an exampleprocess by which a consumer may use the packaging and foodstuff 28provided therein.

At step s20, the consumer removes, by unscrewing, the lid 32 from thecontainer 2.

At step s22, the consumer removes the airtight seal 30 from thecontainer 2.

At step s24, the container 2 reverts to its original expanded form.

In particular, the elasticity of the intermediate portion 8 causes theintermediate portion 8 to extend (moving apart the top and bottomportions 4, 6). This expansion draws air into the container 2 fromoutside the container, through the opening 10 (from which the seal 30has been removed). The intermediate portion 8 expands until thecontainer 2 is in its original fully expanded state.

At step s26, the consumer adds a pre-determined amount of a hot liquidto the container 2.

The pre-determined amount of the hot liquid is an amount sufficient tohydrate the foodstuff 28. The pre-determined amount of hot liquid may beindicated to the consumer in any appropriate way, for example, by a markon the surface of the container 2 to which the container 2 is to befilled with hot liquid (i.e. a “fill level” marker).

Thus, at step s26, the foodstuff 26 is hydrated and heated inside thecontainer 2.

In this embodiment, the volume occupied by the predetermined amount ofthe foodstuff 28 after it has been hydrated with a (further)predetermined amount of liquid is less than or equal to the volume ofthe container 2 in its fully expanded state.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the volume occupied by thepredetermined amount of the foodstuff 28 after it has been hydrated withthe (further) predetermined amount of liquid is greater than the volumeof the container 2 in its fully compressed state.

The consumer, at step s26, may replace the screw lid 32 onto thecontainer 2 and leave the foodstuff 28 to stand (i.e. to “cook”) for acertain time period. The replacement of the lid 32 advantageously tendsto prevent spillage of the heated and hydrated foodstuff 28 during thecooking process, and also tends to prevent the heated and hydratedfoodstuff 28 cooling too much before consumption.

At step s28, the consumer consumes the contents of the container 2 (i.e.the hydrated and heated foodstuff 28) from the container 2.

The container 2 advantageously provides a vessel from which the hydratedfoodstuff 28 may be consumed.

Thus, a method of use by a consumer is provided.

The container being made of LDPE advantageously tends to provide thatthe container is sufficiently flexible to allow for relatively easycompression (from the fully expanded state to the fully compressedstate). Also, the container being made of LDPE advantageously tends toprovide that the container is sufficiently elastic to provide that theintermediate portion of the container reverts the container back to itsoriginal expanded state from a compressed state when a compressive forceis removed from the container.

Advantageously, the wall thickness of the container is such that thecontainer is sufficiently flexible to allow for relatively easycompression (from the fully expanded state to the fully compressedstate). Also, advantageously the wall thickness of the container is suchthat container is sufficiently elastic to provide that the intermediateportion of the container reverts the container back to its originalexpanded state from a compressed state when a compressive force isremoved from the container. Preferably, the wall thickness of thecontainer 2 is 0.75 mm and 1.5 mm.

The container is advantageously recyclable.

The container is advantageously reusable. For example, after thefoodstuff has been consumed, the container may be recompressed andrefilled, and an airtight seal (e.g. the screw lid) reapplied. Thereapplied airtight seal prevents air entering into the container,thereby keeping the container in its recompressed (e.g. fullycompressed) state.

Preferably, the height of the container in its fully compressed state(i.e. the height of the packaging containing the foodstuff) is less thanor equal to 45 mm. This advantageously provides that the packagingcontaining the foodstuff is space-efficient in the vertical direction.Thus, for example, the packaging containing foodstuff tends to becompatible with food trays used to serve food to customers onboardcommercial aircraft. Such airline food-trays typically do not containfood packaging that is above 45 mm in height. This is so that the foodtrays can be stowed on board the aircraft easily.

The volume of the container in its fully compressed state (i.e. thevolume of the packaging containing the foodstuff when it isdelivered/transported to the consumer) is relatively small compared tothe volume of the container in its fully expanded form (i.e. the volumeof the container when the foodstuff is consumed by the consumer). Thus,prior to consumption, the packaging tends to be relatively spaceefficient and compact. In other words, space requirements for storageand/or transport of the packaging containing the foodstuff tend to beadvantageously reduced.

Furthermore, in the compressed state, the packaging containing thefoodstuff tends to be advantageously portable e.g. by a consumer. Thus,the packaging containing the foodstuff may easily be transported by theconsumer e.g. to work etc.

The container having an expanded state advantageously provides that avessel that is large enough to contain the hydrated foodstuff issupplied to the consumer. Thus, the consumer may conveniently use thecontainer to consume the hydrated foodstuff from.

The airtight seal provided by the airtight seal 30 and the lid 32advantageously provides that the foodstuff is kept relatively fresh (andfree from contamination) prior to consumption by the consumer.

The above described filling apparatus advantageously tends to providefor a continuous production line. This tends to be an efficientmanufacturing method.

The volume of the container in its expanded state may advantageously besuch that the hydrated and heated foodstuff does not extend above theintermediate portion. In such a case, the non-extendable top portion ofthe container advantageously an area that the consumer may grip thecontainer without experiencing discomfort from the heat of the hydratedand heated foodstuff.

It should be noted that certain of the process steps depicted in theflowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 11 and described above may be omitted or suchprocess steps may be performed in differing order to that presentedabove and shown in those Figures. Furthermore, although all the processsteps have, for convenience and ease of understanding, been depicted asdiscrete temporally-sequential steps, nevertheless some of the processsteps may in fact be performed simultaneously or at least overlapping tosome extent temporally.

In the above embodiments, the container is generally cylindrical inshape, made of LDPE, and may be made using any appropriate process, e.g.blow-moulding. However, in other embodiments, the container may be adifferent shape (e.g. a cuboid) and/or made of a different appropriatematerial. For example, the container may be made of silicon. This isadvantageously flexible and heat resistant. Furthermore, in otherembodiments, the container may be made using a different process.

In other embodiments, the container may be made of a mixture of two ormore different materials. Also, in other embodiments, the container maybe made of a compound of two or more different materials. For example,in other embodiments, the container is made of a compound of low-densitypolyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). If thecontainer is made of a compound of LDPE and HDPE, preferably thecompound comprises 5-10% HDPE and 90-95% LDPE. More preferably, thecompound comprises 7% HDPE and 93% LDPE. The container being made of acompound of LDPE and HDPE advantageously tends to increase the stiffnessof the container such that the container is sufficiently flexible toallow for relatively easy compression (from the fully expanded state tothe fully compressed state). Also, the container being made of acompound of LDPE and HDPE advantageously tends to provide that thecontainer is sufficiently elastic to provide that the intermediateportion of the container reverts the container back to its originalexpanded state from a compressed state when a compressive force isremoved from the container. Also, the container being made of a compoundof LDPE and HDPE advantageously tends to provide that the container isstiffer (more rigid) than if the container is made of LDPE alone. Thistends to provide that, e.g. during the filling process described herein,deformation of the container other than that desired (i.e. other thanthe deformation of the intermediate portion during compression of thecontainer from its fully expanded state to the fully compressed state)is reduced or eliminated. For example, deformation of the top and bottomportions of the container tends not to occur (e.g. during filling).

In the above embodiments, the container is elastic, i.e. when thecontainer has been compressed into its fully compressed state, and acompressive force that compressed the container is removed from thecontainer, the container expands back to its fully expanded state (dueto the elasticity of the intermediate portion). However, in otherembodiments, the container is not elastic. In other words, when thecontainer has been compressed into its fully compressed state, and acompressive force that compressed the container is removed from thecontainer, the container does not automatically expand back to its fullyexpanded state, and instead remains in its compressed state. In thiscase, the container may be changed from its fully compressed state backto its fully expanded state by applying an expansive force (sufficientto overcome the resistive force of the intermediate portion, i.e. toovercome the resilience of the intermediate portion) to move the topportion and the bottom portion apart. In such further embodiments, thecontainer does not revert to its expanded state when the airtight sealis removed (at step s24 of the process of FIG. 11). Instead, the volumeof the container may be expanded by the consumer by applying anexpansive force to the container.

In embodiments in which the container is not elastic, the seal (providedby the seal 30 and/or the lid 32) may not be airtight, i.e. the seal maybe a different type of closure for closing the opening of the container.For example, a closure may allow air into the container, but prevent theconsumable falling out of the container, e.g. the seal may be aperforated closure. In these embodiments, the seal/closure is forpreventing the consumable leaving, e.g. being removed from, thecontainer.

In the above embodiments, expansion/compression of the container isprovided by the intermediate portion of the container (i.e. thebellows-like portion of the container disposed between the top andbottom portions). However, in other embodiments, thisexpansion/compression functionality is provided by different means, forexample a telescopic structure. In other embodiments, the intermediateportion may comprise a different number, and/or different size oftapered rings (i.e. a different number or different size ofconcertinas/folds).

In the above embodiments, the container has the dimensions describedabove with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. However, in other embodiments,the container has different dimensions. For example, in otherembodiments the container is large enough to contain an amount offoodstuff that would feed a relatively large number of people. Suchcontainers may, for example, be used by charities, the military etc.

In the above embodiments, the foodstuff is packaged using the containeras described above with reference to FIGS. 4-10. The filling apparatuscomprises a conveyor belt a two rails. These elements apply acompressive force to the container whilst it is filled. However, inother embodiments the foodstuff is packaged using the container using adifferent method. Also, in other embodiments, a different fillingapparatus comprising one or more different elements may be used. Forexample, a filling apparatus that comprises clamping means to apply acompressive force to the container whilst it is filled may beimplemented.

In the above embodiments, the foodstuff is a dried (i.e. dehydrated orpartially dehydrated foodstuff) that is to be hydrated (e.g. rehydrated,diluted etc.) prior to consumption by a consumer. Hydration of thefoodstuff may be achieved by adding a liquid (e.g. boiling water orstock) to the foodstuff. However, in other embodiments a differentconsumable is used other than a foodstuff. The different consumable isto be hydrated prior to consumption by a consumer. For example, theconsumable may be a medicine that is to be hydrated (e.g. with water)before being consumed by, e.g. a patient. Also for example, theconsumable may be a paint powder or concentrated paint that is to bemixed with, e.g., water or white spirit prior to use by an artist. Insome embodiments, the consumable contained within the container is aliquid, e.g. a liquid having the viscosity of water, or a higherviscosity such as syrup.

In the above embodiments, the packaging comprises a seal 30 and a screwlid 32. Both of these elements provide an airtight seal for thecontainer while the container is in its fully compressed state. However,in other embodiments, the airtight seal for the container is provided byonly one of the airtight seal 30 or the lid 32.

In other embodiments, an airtight seal for the container is provided bydifferent means.

In other embodiments the lid is a different type of lid. For example, inother embodiments a lid for the container may be provided by a furthercontainer (e.g. a relatively rigid container made of plastic, forexample polyethylene). The further container may attach to the containerby attaching (e.g. clipping to the flange of the container, e.g. using aplurality of protrusions). The further container may be used to containa consumable, e.g. a further foodstuff. The further foodstuff may besealed in the further container by means of a further airtight seal. Thefurther foodstuff may be, for example, a foodstuff that is not to behydrated prior to consumption. For example, the further foodstuff may bedried fruit, dry granola mixes, nuts, liquid honey, liquid coulis,liquid sauce, etc. that may be added to the hydrated foodstuff in thecontainer.

In such further embodiments, the volume occupied by the combination ofthe predetermined amount of foodstuff after it has been hydrated with apredetermined amount of liquid and the further foodstuff is less than orequal to the volume of the container in its fully expanded state.

In such further embodiments, the container advantageously provides avessel from which the combination of the hydrated and heated foodstuffand the further foodstuff may be consumed. This is provided by thecontainer, in its expanded state, being of sufficient size (i.e. havingsufficient volume) to contain the combination of the hydrated and heatedfoodstuff and the further foodstuff.

The two separate containers advantageously tend to provide that twodifferent types of foodstuff may be provided together (i.e. as a singleproduct). The two different types of foodstuff may be sealed in arespective container. Thus, prior to use by the consumer, the twodifferent types of foodstuff are kept separate. Thus, different types offood stuff that are to be processed using different methods, by aconsumer, prior to consumption may advantageously be provided together(i.e. as a single product). The two different types of foodstuffprovided together in the above embodiments are a dehydrated, or dried,foodstuff that is to be hydrated and heated prior to consumption, and afurther foodstuff that is not to be hydrated prior to consumption.

The two separate containers may be attached together in such a way thatthat, prior to use by the consumer, the separation of the containers isopposed. Thus the contents of the first and second containers tend to bekept together prior to use by the consumer (and supplied to the consumertogether as a single product). The further container may be made of aclear material. Thus, a consumer may be able to see the contents on thesecond container. Thus, a consumer may be able, for example, todistinguish between different varieties of a product.

In the above embodiments, the container has the shape and dimensionsdescribed above with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. However, in otherembodiments, the container has different shape and/or dimensions. Forexample, in other embodiments the container has the shape and dimensionsshown in FIGS. 12 and 13. Also, in other embodiments the container hasthe shape and dimensions shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 (which are describedin more detail later below after the description of FIGS. 12 and 13).

FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of afurther container 100 in its fully expanded state.

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of thefurther container 100 in its fully compressed state.

Features common to both the container 2 and the further container 100are indicated by the same reference numerals.

FIGS. 12 and 13 indicate the dimensions of the further container 100 inthis further embodiment.

Preferably, the height of the further container 100 in its fullyexpanded state is in the range 70 mm to 90 mm. More preferably, theheight of the further container 100 in its fully expanded state is 75.9mm. Preferably, the volume of the further container 100 in its fullyexpanded state is approximately 355 ml.

Preferably, the height of the further container 100 in its fullycompressed state is in the range 40 mm to 50 mm. More preferably, theheight of the further container 100 in its fully compressed state is 45mm.

The further container 100 comprises a shoulder 15 between its topportion 4 and its intermediate portion 8. In the further container 100,this shoulder 15 replaces the flange 14 of the container 2. Thisshoulder 15 serves the same purpose as the flange 14 of the container 2,i.e. providing a surface upon which a downwards compressive force may beapplied to compress the container. In other embodiments, a container mayhave any such structure that provides such a surface.

Preferably, the height of the further container 100 in its fullycompressed state from its closed end (i.e. the bottom of the bottomportion 6) to the shoulder 15 is 30.85 mm.

In other embodiments, the ratio between the height of the furthercontainer 100 in its fully expanded state and the height of the furthercontainer 100 in its fully compressed state may be a different value.

Preferably, the vertical height of the top portion 4 of the furthercontainer 100 from the opening 10 to the shoulder 15 is 11.80 mm.

Preferably, the external diameter of the shoulder 15 is substantiallyequal to the external diameter of the intermediate portion 8 (at thewidest point of the intermediate portion 8). Preferably, this dimensionis 87.0 mm.

Preferably, the external diameter of the bottom portion 6 of the furthercontainer 100, at the point where the bottom portion 6 meets theintermediate portion 8, is 87.0 mm. Also, preferably the externaldiameter of the bottom portion 6 of the further container 100, at theclosed end or the further container 100, is less than 87.0 mm. Thus, inthis embodiment, the shape of the bottom portion 6 of the furthercontainer 100 is that of a dish (i.e. the bottom portion 6 of thefurther container 100 is dish-shaped).

An advantage provided by the further container 100 is that the both thetop portion 4 and bottom portion 6 of the further container 100 tend tobe relatively rigid. Thus, during the compression (e.g. as performedduring the process of FIG. 4), only the intermediate portion 8 of thefurther container 100 tends to be compressed. This increased rigidity ofthe bottom portion 6 of the further container 100 tends to result fromits shape (i.e. the bottom portion 6 of the further container 100 havinga dish-like shape that, at its closed-end, is smaller in diameter thanthe intermediate portion 8, and that tapers outwards towards its openend where it meets the intermediate portion 8). This tends to providethat the further container 100 compresses more evenly when a downwardscompressive force is applied.

Furthermore, the shape of the bottom portion 6 of the further container100 tends to facilitate the production of the further container 100having walls of a desired thickness. For example, it tends to be easierto achieve a relatively uniform wall-thickness when moulding the furthercontainer 100 than when moulding containers having a different shape.

A further advantage provided by the further container 100 is that thefurther container 100 tends to compress more evenly than differentlyshaped containers. Furthermore, the further container tends to have adesired elasticity, i.e. strong enough to provide that the container mayexpand unaided from its compressed state to its uncompressed state, butnot so strong as to hinder the sealing of the container when in itscompressed state. Nevertheless, in other embodiments, containers havingdifferent shapes and/or dimensions to those described in the embodimentsabove may be used.

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of asecond further container 102 in its fully expanded state.

FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of thesecond further container 102 in its fully compressed state.

Features common to both the container 2 and the second further container102 are indicated by the same reference numerals.

FIGS. 14 and 15 indicate the dimensions of the second further container102 in this further embodiment.

Preferably, the height of the second further container 102 in its fullyexpanded state is in the range 70 mm to 90 mm. More preferably, theheight of the second further container 102 in its fully expanded stateis 74.6 mm.

Preferably, the volume of the second further container 102 in its fullyexpanded state is approximately 355 ml.

Preferably, the height of the second further container 102 in its fullycompressed state is in the range 40 mm to 50 mm. More preferably, theheight of the second further container 102 in its fully compressed stateis approximately 41 mm.

The second further container 102 may comprises a shoulder 15 between itstop portion 4 and its intermediate portion 8. In the second furthercontainer 102, this shoulder 15 replaces the flange 14 of the container2. This shoulder 15 serves the same purpose as the flange 14 of thecontainer 2, i.e. providing a surface upon which a downwards compressiveforce may be applied to compress the container (e.g. during the fillingprocess). In other embodiments, a container may have any such structurethat provides such a surface. Preferably, the external diameter of theshoulder 15 is 91.0 mm.

Preferably, the height of the second further container 102 in its fullycompressed state from its closed end (i.e. the bottom of the bottomportion 6) to the shoulder 15 is 30.85 mm.

In other embodiments, the ratio between the height of the second furthercontainer 102 in its fully expanded state and the height of the secondfurther container 102 in its fully compressed state may be a differentvalue.

Preferably, the diameter of the opening 10 is 76.0 mm. Also, preferablythe external diameter of the top portion 4 of the second furthercontainer is approximately 86.0 mm. Thus, at its top end, surroundingits opening 10, the second further container 102 may have a sealing rim104 (with a thickness of approximately 5 mm). This sealing rim 104advantageously tends to provide a surface upon which a downwardscompressive force may be applied to compress the container (e.g. duringthe filling process). Thus, in some embodiments, a container maycomprise such a sealing rim 104 instead of a flange 14 and/or a shoulder15 (i.e. the sealing rim 104 may serve the same purpose as the flange 14of the container 2, or the shoulder 15, and a container may not comprisea flange 14 or shoulder 15). Furthermore, the increased thickness of thesealing rim 104 of the second further container 102 (compared to thethickness of the rim in the first embodiment) tends to provide that thesealing of the second further container 102 is easier (e.g. duringfilling) and that a stronger sealing may be applied.

In this embodiment, the top portion 4 of the second further containercomprises a plurality of annular ridges 106. A lid for the secondfurther container may clip over these annular ridges 106. In otherwords, the second further container 102 may have a “press-on” or“push-on” lid as opposed to a screw-on lid. It will be appreciated bythe person skilled in the art that any of the containers describedherein may have a lid that attaches to the container in any appropriateway (e.g. a push-on lid, a screw-on lid, etc.).

Preferably, the external diameter of the bottom portion 6 of the secondfurther container 102, at the point where the bottom portion 6 meets theintermediate portion 8, is 86.9 mm. Also, preferably the externaldiameter of the bottom portion 6 of the second further container 102, atthe closed end or the second further container 102, is less than 86.9mm. Thus, in this embodiment, the shape of the bottom portion 6 of thesecond further container 102 is that of a dish (i.e. the bottom portion6 of the second further container 102 is dish-shaped).

An advantage provided by the second further container 102 is that theboth the top portion 4 and bottom portion 6 of the second furthercontainer 102 tend to be relatively rigid. Thus, during the compression(e.g. as performed during the process of FIG. 4), only the intermediateportion 8 of the second further container 102 tends to be compressed.This increased rigidity of the bottom portion 6 of the second furthercontainer 102 tends to result from its shape (i.e. the bottom portion 6of the second further container 102 having a dish-like shape that, atits closed-end, is smaller in diameter than the intermediate portion 8,and that tapers outwards towards its open end where it meets theintermediate portion 8). This tends to provide that the second furthercontainer 102 compresses more evenly when a downwards compressive forceis applied.

Furthermore, the shape of the bottom portion 6 of the second furthercontainer 102 tends to facilitate the production of the second furthercontainer 102 having walls of a desired thickness. For example, it tendsto be easier to achieve a relatively uniform wall-thickness whenmoulding the second further container 102 than when moulding containershaving a different shape.

A further advantage provided by the second further container 102 is thatthe second further container 102 tends to compress more evenly thandifferently shaped containers. Furthermore, the further container tendsto have a desired elasticity, i.e. strong enough to provide that thecontainer may expand unaided from its compressed state to itsuncompressed state, but not so strong as to hinder the sealing of thecontainer when in its compressed state. Nevertheless, in otherembodiments, containers having different shapes and/or dimensions tothose described in the embodiments above may be used.

In the above embodiments, the container may be filled with the foodstuff(i.e. the foodstuff is packaged for delivery to a consumer) using theprocess described above with reference to FIG. 4. However, in otherembodiments, a different process may be used. For example, when fillingthe further container 100 that is described in more detail above withreference to FIGS. 12 and 13, the further container 100 may becompressed by exerting a downwards force on the shoulder 15 of thefurther container 100 using a ring-shaped member. This advantageouslytends to provide a relatively even compressive force to the furthercontainer 100 (such a process may also be used on different containers,e.g. the container 2 described above with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3).The further container 100 may then be filled and sealed, e.g., asdescribed above with reference to steps s6 to s10 of FIG. 4.Alternatively, a reel-fed sealing film may be applied to the opening 10of the further container 100 to seal the further container 100 and keepit in its compressed state. A lid may then be applied e.g. to provide anadditional airtight seal and/or to protect the seal from accidentalpiercing.

1. Packaging containing an amount of a consumable, the packagingcontaining an amount of a consumable comprising: a container comprisingan opening; and a closure closing the opening; wherein the container andthe closure define a cavity having a first volume; the consumable islocated in the cavity; the container is expandable such that thecontainer may be expanded to have a second volume; and the second volumeis greater than the first volume.
 2. Packaging containing a consumableaccording to claim 1, wherein the closure is an airtight seal. 3.Packaging containing a consumable according to claim 2, wherein thecontainer is expandable such that, on breaking the airtight seal, thecontainer may be expanded to have the second volume.
 4. Packagingcontaining an amount of a consumable according to any of claims 1 to 3,wherein the consumable is to be combined with an amount of liquid, andthe second volume is greater than or equal to a volume occupied by thecombination of the amount of the consumable and the amount of theliquid.
 5. Packaging containing a consumable according to any of claims2 to 4, wherein the container further comprises: a closed end; and anelastic side wall disposed between the opening and the closed end;wherein the elastic side wall is in a compressed state; the elastic sidewall has sufficient elasticity such that, on at least partially removingthe seal from the opening, the elastic side wall expands, unaided, fromthe compressed state to an uncompressed state; and when the elastic sidewall is in the uncompressed state, the container has the second volume.6. Packaging containing a consumable according to claim 5, wherein theelastic side wall is compressible along its length such that the heightof the container when the elastic side wall is in its uncompressed stateis larger than the height of the container when the elastic side wall isin its compressed state.
 7. Packaging containing a consumable accordingto claim 5 or 6, wherein the elastic side wall comprises a bellows-likestructure.
 8. Packaging containing a consumable according to any ofclaims 5 to 7, the container further comprising a non-expandable topportion disposed between the open end and the elastic side wall, the topportion being contiguous with the opening.
 9. Packaging containing aconsumable according to claim 8, wherein the non-expandable top portioncomprises a flange or shoulder.
 10. Packaging containing a consumableaccording to claim 8 or 9, wherein the non-expandable top portioncomprises an externally screw-threaded portion for receiving aninternally screw-threaded lid.
 11. Packaging containing a consumableaccording to any of claims 5 to 10, the container further comprising anon-expandable bottom portion disposed between the closed end and theelastic side wall, the bottom portion being contiguous with the closedend.
 12. Packaging containing a consumable according to any of claims 1to 11, wherein the container is made of a heat resistant material. 13.Packaging containing a consumable according to any of claims 1 to 12,wherein the container is made of a compound comprising low densitypolyethylene and high density polyethylene.
 14. Packaging containing aconsumable according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein, prior to beingexpanded, the height of the container is between 40 mm and 50 mm. 15.Packaging containing a consumable according to any of claims 1 to 14,wherein the container is expandable such that the height of thecontainer is between 80 mm and 90 mm.
 16. Packaging containing aconsumable according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the consumable isselected from a group consisting of a foodstuff, a medicine, paint andpowdered paint.
 17. Packaging containing a consumable according to claim16, wherein the consumable is an at least partially dehydratedfoodstuff.
 18. A method of packaging an amount of a consumable, themethod comprising: providing a container having an opening; at leastpartially filling the container with the consumable; and closing, with aclosure, the container with the consumable inside it such that thecontainer and the closure define a cavity having a first volume, and theconsumable is located in the cavity; wherein the container is expandablesuch that the container may be expanded to have a second volume; and thesecond volume is greater than the first volume.
 19. A method accordingto claim 18, wherein the closure is an airtight seal.
 20. A methodaccording to claim 18, wherein the container is expandable such that, onbreaking the airtight seal, the container may be expanded to have thesecond volume.
 21. A method according to any of claims 18 to 20, whereinthe consumable is to be combined with an amount of liquid, and thesecond volume is greater than or equal to a volume occupied by thecombination of the amount of the consumable and the amount of theliquid.
 22. A method according to any of claims 19 to 21, wherein thecontainer further comprises: a closed end; and an elastic side walldisposed between the opening and the closed end; wherein the elasticside wall is in a compressed state; the elastic side wall has sufficientelasticity such that, on at least partially removing the seal from theopening, the elastic side wall expands, unaided, from the compressedstate to an uncompressed state; and when the elastic side wall is in theuncompressed state, the container has the second volume.
 23. A methodaccording to claim 22, wherein the elastic side wall is compressiblealong its length such that the height of the container when the elasticside wall is in its uncompressed state is larger than the height of thecontainer when the elastic side wall is in its compressed state.
 24. Amethod according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the step of providing acontainer comprises compressing the container such that the elastic sidewall is in the compressed state.
 25. A method according to any of claims22 to 24, wherein the elastic side wall comprises a bellows-likestructure.
 26. A method according to any of claims 22 to 25, thecontainer further comprising a non-expandable top portion disposedbetween the open end and the elastic side wall, the top portion beingcontiguous with the opening.
 27. A method according to claim 26 whendependent on 24, wherein the non-expandable top portion comprises aflange or shoulder, and the step of compressing the container isperformed by applying a force to the flange or shoulder.
 28. A methodaccording to claim 26 or 27, wherein the non-expandable top portioncomprises an externally screw-threaded portion, and the step of closingcomprises screwing an internally screw-threaded lid onto the externallyscrew-threaded portion.
 29. A method according to any of claims 22 to28, the container further comprising a non-expandable bottom portiondisposed between the closed end and the elastic side wall.
 30. A methodaccording to any of claims 18 to 29, wherein the container is made of aheat resistant material.
 31. A method according to any of claims 18 to30, wherein the container is made of low density polyethylene.
 32. Amethod according to any of claims 18 to 31, wherein, prior to beingexpanded, the height of the container is between 40 mm and 50 mm.
 33. Amethod according to any of claims 18 to 32, wherein the container isexpandable such that the height of the container is between 70 mm and 90mm.
 34. A method according to any of claims 18 to 33, wherein theconsumable is selected from a group consisting of a foodstuff, amedicine, paint and powdered paint.
 35. A method according to claim 34,wherein the consumable is an at least partially dehydrated foodstuff.36. An expandable container for a consumable, the container comprising:an open end; a closed end; and an elastic side wall disposed between theopen end and the closed end; wherein the elastic side wall iscompressible between an original position and a compressed position suchthat the container may be changed between having a first height and asecond height, the second height being less than the first height; theelastic side wall has sufficient elasticity to return to the originalposition unaided.
 37. An expandable container according to claim 36,wherein the elastic side wall comprises a bellows-like structure.
 38. Anexpandable container according claim 36 or 37, the container furthercomprising a non-expandable top portion disposed between the opening andthe elastic side wall, the top portion being contiguous with theopening.
 39. An expandable container according to claim 38, wherein thenon-expandable top portion comprises a flange or shoulder.
 40. Anexpandable container according to claim 38 or 39, wherein thenon-expandable top portion comprises an externally screw-threadedportion for receiving an internally screw-threaded lid.
 41. Anexpandable container according to any of claims 36 to 40, the containerfurther comprising a non-expandable bottom portion disposed between theclosed end and the elastic side wall, the bottom portion beingcontiguous with the closed end.
 42. An expandable container according toany of claims 36 to 41, wherein the container is made of a heatresistant material.
 43. An expandable container according to any ofclaims 36 to 42, wherein the container is made of low densitypolyethylene.
 44. An expandable container according to any of claims 36to 43, wherein, when the elastic side wall is in its original position,the height of the container is between 70 mm and 90 mm.
 45. Anexpandable container according to claim 43, wherein, when the elasticside wall is in its original position, the height of the container is 80mm.
 46. An expandable container according to any of claims 36 to 45,wherein, when the elastic side wall is in its compressed position, theheight of the container is between 40 mm and 50 mm.
 47. An expandablecontainer according to claim 46, wherein, when the elastic side wall isin its compressed position, the height of the container is 45 mm.
 48. Amethod of packaging a consumable, the method comprising: providing anexpandable container, the container being in accordance with any ofclaims 36 to 47; compressing the container such that the elastic sidewall is in the compressed position; at least partially filling thecontainer with an amount of the consumable; and whilst the elastic sidewall is in the compressed position, closing the container with thepredetermined amount of the consumable inside it.
 49. A method accordingto claim 48, wherein the consumable is selected from a group consistingof a foodstuff, a medicine, paint and powdered paint.
 50. A methodaccording to claim 49, wherein the consumable is an at least partiallydehydrated foodstuff.
 51. A method according to any of claims 48 to 50,wherein the step of closing is performed by means of an airtight sealapplied over the open end of the container.
 52. A method according toany of claims 48 to 51 when dependent on claim 40, the step of closingcomprises screwing an internally screw-threaded lid onto the externallyscrew-threaded portion.
 53. A method according to any of claims 48 to 52when dependent on claim 39, the step of compressing the containercomprises applying a force to the flange or shoulder.
 54. Packagingcontaining a consumable according to any of claims 1 to 17, wherein thecontainer is an expandable container according to any of claims 36 to47.
 55. Packaging containing a consumable substantially as describedherein with reference to the accompanying figures.
 56. An expandablecontainer substantially as described herein with reference to theaccompanying figures.
 57. A method of packaging a consumablesubstantially as described herein with reference to the accompanyingfigures.